Tributes paid after death of Skegness-born actor who starred in TV comedy 'Yes Minister'

Richard Simpson passed away recently aged 90, having spent his retirement years in the town following a career that saw him starring alongside the likes of Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley, Brian Cox, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan.

Writer Benjamin Peel , family friend and son local actor Edward Peel, has spoken of how he will miss his “many stories of old Skegness and, above all, his wickedly funny recollections of his acting career.”According to Mr Peel, his love of the stage and screen stemmed from his parents, who were involved in the Skegness Playgoers. He trained at RADA but also did his stint of National Service in the RAF before his long and distinguished career in film, TV and particularly theatre.As well Yes Minister, his on-screeen appearances included Squadron, Minder, McVicar, Buffalo Girls, Stay Lucky and Nuns on the Run to name a few.On stage his many credits include Comedians, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, Oh! What a Lovely War, Nicholas Nickleby, Major Barbara, She Stoops to Conquer, Gaslight and many more.

Paying tribute, Mr Peel said: “Along with my Dad we took it in turns to visit him on a regular basis over the past few years which I greatly enjoyed. I will miss his many stories of old Skegness, his time doing National Service in the RAF and above all his wickedly funny recollections of his acting career.

"I will miss him immensely.”